Sleep training refers to the process of teaching infants and toddlers healthy sleep habits. It involves establishing a consistent bedtime routine and helping children learn how to fall asleep and stay asleep independently.

While every child is unique and may require different approaches, there are several sleep training methods that parents can consider. This article explores some popular sleep training methods for infants and toddlers.

1. The Ferber Method

The Ferber method, also known as graduated extinction, is a sleep training method that involves gradually teaching a child to self-soothe and fall asleep on their own.

Parents using this method establish a bedtime routine and put their child to bed drowsy but awake. They then gradually increase the amount of time before going to comfort the child when they cry. This method aims to teach the child to self-soothe and fall asleep without parental intervention.

2. The Weissbluth Method

The Weissbluth method, developed by Dr. Marc Weissbluth, focuses on creating an optimal sleep environment and ensuring that a child gets enough sleep to avoid becoming overtired.

This method involves following a consistent sleep schedule and putting the child to bed at the same time every night. It emphasizes early bedtimes to prevent a child from becoming overly exhausted, which can make it harder for them to fall asleep.

3. The Pick-Up, Put-Down Method

The Pick-Up, Put-Down method is a gentle approach to sleep training. It involves picking up a crying baby and soothing them, then gently placing them back in the crib once they are calm but still awake.

This method focuses on gradually reducing the amount of time spent comforting the child until they can fall asleep on their own. It requires patience and consistency from parents, as it may take some time for the child to learn to fall asleep without being held.

4. The Chair Method

The Chair method involves placing a chair next to the child’s crib during the bedtime routine. Parents sit in the chair until the child falls asleep, gradually moving the chair farther away from the crib over time.

This method provides reassurance and comfort to the child while gradually teaching them to fall asleep independently. Over time, the chair is moved closer to the door and eventually removed from the room altogether.

5. The Bedtime Fading Method

The Bedtime Fading method involves gradually delaying a child’s bedtime. Parents begin by putting the child to bed at their usual time and gradually push their bedtime later by 15 minutes each night until the desired bedtime is reached.

This method aims to align the child’s internal sleep schedule with their desired bedtime, making it easier for them to fall asleep and stay asleep throughout the night.

6. The Sleep Lady Shuffle

The Sleep Lady Shuffle, developed by Kim West, is a gentle and gradual approach to sleep training. It involves establishing a consistent bedtime routine and then sitting next to the child’s crib as they fall asleep.

Over time, parents gradually move farther away from the crib until they are outside the room. This method focuses on slowly and gently teaching the child to fall asleep without parental presence.

7. The No Tears Approach

The No Tears Approach, also known as gentle sleep training, emphasizes comforting and responding to a child’s needs without allowing them to cry excessively.

This method involves establishing a soothing bedtime routine and responding to the child’s cues, such as rocking or feeding them to sleep. It aims to create a sense of security and trust while gradually encouraging the child to self-soothe and fall asleep without parental assistance.

8. The Extinction Method

The Extinction method, also known as the cry-it-out method, involves leaving the child to cry alone until they fall asleep. This method requires a significant amount of emotional readiness from parents, as it can be difficult to listen to a child cry.

However, proponents of this method argue that it teaches infants and toddlers to fall asleep independently and can lead to better sleep habits in the long run.

9. The PUPD Method

The PUPD method, short for Pick-Up, Put-Down, is similar to the Pick-Up, Put-Down method mentioned earlier but involves more frequent interventions by the parent.

This method requires the parent to pick up the child whenever they cry, comfort them, and then put them back down in the crib once they are calm. The goal is to gradually reduce the amount of time spent comforting the child until they can fall asleep independently.

10. Combination Approaches

Many parents find that a combination of sleep training methods works best for their child. It is important to remember that there is no one-size-fits-all approach, and what works for one child may not work for another.

Parents should be flexible and adaptable, tailoring their approach to their child’s needs and personality.